Remotely-Controlled Vehicle Skill Structure

ABSTRACT

A remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that functions in combination with a remotely-controlled vehicle, such as a helicopter. The structure has at least one platform from which extends a vertical support. Attached to the vertical support is a skill element such as a landing pad, a ring, a semi-ring or a geometric opening. Preferably, the structure has multiple platforms in a multi-tiered design, with multiple skill elements extending upward and outward. A person operating a remotely-controlled helicopter performs various skill-requiring maneuvers including landing on the landing pad(s) and flying through the ring(s) and/or geometric openings. Feedback is provided in the form of lights, sounds and/or displayed information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to remotely-controlled vehicles, and more particularly to a remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that provides an operator of a remotely-controlled vehicle such as a helicopter, a modularly constructed scalable structure with various obstacles, landing surfaces and fly-through shapes.

BACKGROUND ART

Throughout the world, especially in developed nations, one of the most popular and fastest growing recreational activities is the operating of a remotely-controlled vehicle. Many different types of people, young and old, male and female, participate in operating remotely-controlled vehicles, which include cars, boats, airplanes and helicopters. The most popular type of vehicle is a car, due to the fact that a remotely-controlled car can be used in many locations. A remotely-controlled boat obviously requires a water location, and an airplane requires a large, open outdoor location. Very close though to cars in popularity, is a remotely-controlled helicopter, which does not require a special location or a large amount of room. A remotely-controlled helicopter can even be used indoors as well as outdoors. One of the limits to remotely-controlled helicopters, which is not equally shared by cars, is that there is only a certain amount of flying activities that can be performed.

It is easy to set-up an obstacle course for a car, or even to not set-up a course, and just use what is present as obstacles, for example, furniture indoors or plant-life outdoors. A helicopter can be flown in a location where there are no or few obstacles, or they can be flown purposefully around obstacles. Unfortunately, for anyone trying to improve their flying skill, this can be a difficult and frustrating experience. When a car hits an obstacle it generally just stops; a helicopter on the other hand does not just stop but also falls to the ground, which can result in damage that ends the flying for that day, and can require costly and/or time-consuming repairs.

What is needed is a purpose designed and built structure that can be used with a remotely-controlled vehicle. Although a structure could be built for any type of vehicle, a structure for a helicopter would be particularly needed and useful. Optimally, the structure could be custom built to a person's individual skill level or desire.

The structure could be used simply for fun/recreation, or could be used by someone who seriously wants to improve their flying abilities. Also structure(s) could be used in competition to determine a person's flying skill(s) compared to others.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 5,683,298 Jackson 4 Nov. 1997 6,053,824 Boudreaux 25 Apr. 2000 8,038,589 Sperry 18 Oct. 2011

U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,298 discloses an obstacle course for remotely controlled toy vehicles. A plurality of track circuits are arranged in tiered fashion upon a core support structure. Each track circuit has obstacles such as pits, rocks, and traps which must be negotiated. Upon completion of track circuits, the vehicle may advance to the next higher track circuit through an up ramp. There a new challenge in the form of different obstacles are presented. Optional clock timers may set a time limit for completion of the course as a whole or any given level.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,824 discloses a portable obstacle course system that includes a number of child safe obstacle elements that is used as an entertainment activity for birthday parties and the like activities. The system is easily transported to an activity site, is rapidly set up in a variety of configurations, and is rapidly taken down after the activities are over.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,589 discloses a system and method for an obstacle course including first and second lanes associated with first and second difficulty ratings, respectively. The first lane includes a first plurality of obstacles associated with the first difficulty rating and the second lane includes a second plurality of obstacles associated with the second difficulty rating.

For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED Des.266,681 Yoshimura 26 Oct. 1982 3,908,989 Meyer 30 Sep. 1975 4,162,792 Chang et al 31 Jul. 1979 5,141,440 Wallingford 25 Aug. 1992 7,976,396 Boretskin 12 Jul. 2011

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In its basic design, the remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure is comprised of a platform to which a vertical support is attached. The vertical support extends upward from the platform, and attached to the vertical support is a skill element, which consists of a landing pad, a ring, a semi-ring or a geometric enclosure. These are just examples of what a skill element can comprise, there are actually many other types of and varieties of skill elements that can also be utilized.

The above described embodiment, which comprises a single platform with a single skill element, does constitute an effective design configuration of the structure. Optimally, though, multiple platforms and multiple skill elements are attached together to create a multi-tiered, multiple skills requiring, structure with different types of skill elements, each of which require particular skills) to interface with. The structure is modularly designed, with the various components that comprise the structure preferably each being press-fit together and friction held together. This allows a person(s) to quickly and easily assemble, disassemble and re-assemble a structure being as small or large, with as many skill elements as desired.

To add to the experience of using the structure, lights and/or a speaker for audible sounds can be included. Also, various electronic functionality can be utilized to improve a user's experience. Along with the electronics, proprietary software/firmware can be used to control the lights, sound(s), electronic functions and/or along with the use of sensors, to maintain a record of a person's performance when using the structure.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that can be quickly and easily assembled to a person's desire or need, and that can significantly increase the experience of operating a remotely-controlled vehicle such as a helicopter.

In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that:

-   -   can be assembled into a custom structure based on a user's         ability/skill level,     -   can be used indoors or outdoors,     -   is easy to disassemble for storage or transportation,     -   can be used to determine the skill level of multiple persons,         such as during a competition or tournament,     -   is durable and long-lasting,     -   can be sold as an un-assembled kit or as a pre-assembled         ready-to-use structure,     -   can be permanently installed/assembled at a desired location,     -   can be sold along with remotely-controlled vehicle(s),     -   can significantly improve a person's ability to operate/control         a remotely-controlled vehicle such as a helicopter,     -   can be adapted for use with various types of remotely-controlled         vehicles including a helicopter, a car, a boat, etc. and     -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and a purchaser's         point of view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthographic front view of a remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure having multiple levels of platforms and multiple skill elements.

FIG. 2 is an orthographic front view of the structure having a single platform and a single skill element in the form of a landing pad, and a plurality of lights.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic front view of the structure having a single platform and a single skill element in the form of a ring and one light.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic front view of the structure having a single platform and a single skill element in the form of a semi-ring.

FIG. 5 is an orthographic front view of the structure having a single platform and a single skill structure in the form of a geometric opening in the shape of a triangle.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic front view of the structure having a single platform and a single skill element, and with an electronic control circuit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic control circuit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment of a remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure (RCVSS) 10. Although there is a single preferred embodiment, there are unlimited modular design configurations that are only limited by available space and a user's preference. For the purpose of this disclosure, three design configurations will be described and shown.

The design configurations of the RCVSS 10 can be comprised of various arrangements of the following major elements: at least one platform 12; at least one vertical support 34; at least one horizontal support 46; and at least one skill element 68 that can consist of a ring 70, semi-ring 72, landing pad 74, geometric opening 78 and/or enclosure 80. The elements of the RCVSS 10 can be made of various materials including plastic, metal or wood. The elements can be any color or they can be transparent when made of a material such as plexiglass/Lucite.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, each platform 12 is comprised of an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, a right edge 18, a left edge 20, a rear edge 22 and a front edge 24. Each platform 12 can be made in any geometric shape, with square or circular the most common shapes.

Each vertical support 34, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, is comprised of an upper end 36, a lower end 38, and an outer surface 40. The vertical support 34 can be solid or hollow and is preferably circular. Each horizontal support 46, as shown in FIG. 2, is comprised of a right end 48, a left end 50, and an outer surface 52. The horizontal support 46 can also be solid or hollow and is preferably circular. Although a circular shape is preferred, both the vertical support 34 and the horizontal support 46 can be any geometric shape such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

As previously disclosed, the RCVSS 10 is modular and can be assembled into a structure of any size. In order to attach the components of the RCVSS 10 together, a support sleeve 56 is utilized. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, each support sleeve 56 has an opening 58 into which a vertical or horizontal support is inserted. The ends of each vertical or horizontal support are dimensioned to press-fit into the opening 58 on the support sleeve 56.

The type of, and purpose of, a structure, will determine how many support sleeves 56 are utilized, and the location of each sleeve 56 on a particular components. The support sleeve(s) 56 is either integrally attached to a component, or the sleeve(s) can be permanently attached by an attachment means which typically comprises an adhesive.

Since the vertical and horizontal supports 34,46 are preferably circular, the opening(s) 58 on the support sleeve 56 are also circular. When the supports 34,46 have a shape other than circular, the opening(s) 58 must be correspondingly shaped. It should be noted that other attachment means for the various components can also be utilized, such as nuts and bolts, or openings and removable or permanent pins.

The first design configuration of the RCVSS 10, which is also the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, displays the modular expansion capability of the RCVSS 10. The first design configuration is comprised of a first platform 12 having four support sleeves 56, with one sleeve located adjacent each corner on the upper surface 14. Inserted into an extending upward from each support sleeve opening 58 is a vertical support 34. The upper end 36 of each vertical support 34 is inserted into a support sleeve 56 located on the lower surface 16 of a second platform 12. There are four support sleeves 56, with one adjacent each corner on the upper surface 14 of the second platform.

The second platform 12 has two horizontal supports, with one support extending from the platform's right edge, and one support extending form the platform's left edge. These horizontal supports do not utilize support sleeves for attachment, rather they are either integrally attached by being molded as part of the platform during manufacturing, or they are inserted into openings that can be located on the edge(s) of the platform 12. When the vertical supports are inserted into openings, they can be press-fit or can be maintained within the opening(s) by an attachment means that is typically comprised of an adhesive. Additionally, the openings can be internally threaded, and the ends of the vertical supports can have corresponding external threads, thereby allowing the supports to be screwed into the openings. It should be noted that the use of a threaded opening into which a support with a threaded end is screwed can also be utilized by the other vertical and horizontal supports when assembling the RCVSS 10.

At the right end 48 of the right horizontal support 46 is a support connector 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the support connector 60 has openings 62 that facilitates the connection of vertical and horizontal supports 34,46 to each other. The right end 48 of the horizontal support 46 is inserted into an opening 62 on the left surface of the support connector 60. Inserted into and extending upward from an opening 62 on the upper surface of the support connector 60 is a vertical support 34. At the upper end 36 of the vertical support 34 is a ring 70.

At the left end 50 of the left horizontal support 46 is also left side can utilize a support connector 60. The left end 50 of the horizontal support 46 is inserted into an opening 62 on the right surface of the support connector 60. Inserted into and extending upward from an opening 62 on the upper surface of the support connector 60 is a vertical support 34. At the upper end 36 of the vertical support 34 is a landing pad 74.

Both the ring 70 on the right side and the landing pad 74 on the left side can utilize a support sleeve 56 for attachment to their respective vertical support 34, or a vertical support 34 can be integrally attached to the respective ring 70 and landing platform 74.

In keeping with the modular capabilities of the RCVSS 10, any of the components that utilize a support sleeve 56 can be integrally attached or can utilize another attachment means such as the previously disclosed opening with adhesive or corresponding threaded components that are screwed together.

As shown in FIG. 1, extending upward from the second platform 12 are four vertical supports, with one support located adjacent each corner of the second platform 12. Four vertical supports extending upward from the second platform interface with and support a third platform 12. Extending from the right edge of the third platform is a horizontal support that is connected to a vertical support upon which is a landing pad 74. Extending from the left edge of the third platform is a horizontal support that is connected to a vertical support upon which is a ring 70. Extending upward from the substantial center of the third platform's upper surface 14 is a vertical support upon which is another landing pad 74. As shown in FIG. 1, the first design configuration of the RCVSS 10 comprises three platforms, a right side having a ring 70 and landing pad 74 above the ring, a left side having a landing pad and a ring 70 above the landing pad 74, and a center landing pad 74 located above the third platform 12.

The second design configuration of the RCVSS 10, as shown in FIG. 2, is comprised of one platform 12 having single support sleeve 56 at the substantial center of the platform's upper surface 14. Inserted into the support sleeve's opening 58 and extending upward from the platform 12 is a vertical support 34 which has a skill element 68 attached. The upper end 36 of the vertical support 34 is inserted into a support sleeve 56 on the lower surface of the skill element 68 which is comprised of a landing pad 74. The assembled structure can then be placed at a desired location and an operator of a remotely-controlled helicopter can land, or attempt to land, on the landing pad 74. If desired, another one of the platforms 12 can be utilized in place of the landing pad 74. As with the platform 12, the landing pad 74 can be any geometric shape, with square or circular the most common.

The third design configuration of the RCVSS 10, as shown in FIG. 3, is similar to the first design configuration. Instead of a landing pad 74, a skill element 68 in the shape of a ring 70 is attached to the upper end 36 of the vertical support 34. An operator of a remotely-controlled helicopter can fly through or around the ring 70. Instead of a ring 70, a semi-ring 72, as shown in FIG. 4, or a triangle 78, as shown in FIG. 5, can be utilized.

The three design configurations are only examples of how the RCVSS 10 can be assembled. Design configurations two and three are relatively simple, each having only a single skill element. The preferred first design configuration shows the modular expansion capability of the RCVSS 10. As previously stated, the RCVSS 10 can be assembled into a structure that is only limited by the available space and a user's preference. Also, a particular RCVSS 10 can be a continually growing/expanding or changing structure. As a user becomes familiar with a certain design configuration, it is possible to add more skill elements 68 or change the design of the existing skill elements 68, thereby providing new challenges.

In order to add to the enjoyment of using the RCVSS 10, and to provide greater competitive aspects, the RCVSS 10 can utilize various additional elements and functionality. As shown in FIG. 3, the structural components of the RCVSS 10 can comprise at least one light which is preferably an LED 84. A single LED 84 can be placed on a single skill element such as a ring 70. The LED 84 can be utilized to show a user that he/she should fly through that particular ring, or the LED can flash if a user's helicopter comes into contact with the ring. If desired, multiple LEDs 84 can be attached to the structural components, or skill elements 68, as shown in FIG. 2. The multiple LEDs 84 can be utilized to add to the visual appearance of the RCVSS 10 or can be an indicator(s). Also, a single LED 84 or multiple LEDs 84 can allow the RCVSS 10 to be utilized in a dark environment or outside at night.

As shown in FIG. 6, a speaker 86 can also be attached onto the RCVSS 10. The speaker 86 can be utilized to add sound effects and/or as an indicator, for example when a user's helicopter comes into contact with one of the skill elements 68 a buzzer or other sound will be audible.

Located on each skill element 68 can also be at least one sensor 90 that is controlled by a sensor processing circuit 91, as shown in FIG. 6. The sensor 90 provides information pertaining to each skill element. For example, a sensor 90 will indicate when a helicopter lands on a landing pad 74 or passes through a ring 70. A sensor 90 can even be utilized to indicate the exact location on a landing pad 75 or platform 12 where a helicopter has landed, thereby indicating how precise a landing has been performed.

In order to provide a visual indication of many aspects when using the RCVSS 10, a visual display 88, as shown in FIG. 6, can be utilized. The display 88 shows various information that a user or users of the RCVSS 10 would require. For example, the display 88 can show how many successful landings or pass-through a particular user has performed, or how many times a user's helicopter has come into contact with the skill elements 68. The display 88 can also keep score when multiple users of the RCVSS 10 are competing against each other. In addition, the display 88 can show how a user has improved over time.

All of the above additional functional capabilities are controlled by an electronic control circuit 92, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The electronic control circuit 92 includes software/firmware 96 that allows various functions to be programmable. For example, the LEDs 84 can be programmed to indicate when a successful landing or pass-through has been performed, or when a user has made an error when flying. Of course, the LEDs 84 can also be simply turned ON or OFF without any programming necessary.

The additional functions all require power which is provided by either a utility power source 102 that is connected by a power cord 100; by a battery 98, which is preferably rechargeable and is located adjacent the electronic control circuit 92; or by a USB connection (not shown). The electronic control circuit 92, along with the required power components, are preferably located within one of the platforms 12, typically the lowest platform. Power is supplied to each function preferably by wires that run through the hollow structural elements.

In another design, each structural element, such as a horizontal or vertical support, or a support connector, can utilize electrical contacts (not shown). So, when two structural elements are attached together, the two respective contacts interface, thereby creating an electrical connection. It is also envisioned that the skill elements 68 can be wirelessly connected to the electronics. The battery power (and the wireless connectivity) are important functional capabilities that are particularly useful when a motor 102, as shown in FIG. 6, is attached to a skill element 68. The motor 102 would allow a skill element such as a ring 70 to move back and forth, side to side, or to rotate, thereby increasing the difficulty of flying through or around the ring 70. The movements of the ring 70 could be programmed into the electronic control circuit 92.

Additionally, instead of a motor, a servo 104 would allow a person to remotely control the movement(s) of a skill element 68 in real-time. This would allow one person to be flying a helicopter and another person to control the movement(s) of one or more of the skill elements, thereby adding an additional challenging aspect to the RCVSS 10.

In keeping with this theme, any or all of the functional capabilities of the RCVSS 10 can be remote controlled. A remote control unit can include the display functionality, as well as control the LEDs., the sound(s) coming from the speaker(s), and the movements of a servo-controlled skill element. In lieu of a remote control, a dedicated computer application (“APP” not shown) can be implemented. As with the remote control, the APP would control any and all of functional capabilities of the RCVSS 10. The APP would also maintain the scores of multiple users, and since the APP is computer-based and can utilize the internet, multiple competitions with multiple users/competitors from all over the world can be realized. The APP would function in combination with a computer-enabled wireless device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer.

The electronic control circuit 92, as well as the APP, are programmable which allows the capabilities and functionality of the RCVSS 10 to be upgraded and improved into the future. The final element that the RCVSS 10 comprises is indicia 116, as shown in FIG. 6. The indicia 116 can include any words or images that are printed on the RCVSS 10 structural components. For example, yellow or other color safety lines can be put on a ring 70, or the image that is used on actual full-size helicopter landing pads can be put on the RCVSS 10 land pad 74. Additionally, corporate names or logos can be displayed, which could be utilized when a RCVSS 10 competition occurs.

In conclusion, the RCVSS 10 is designed to provide an enjoyable and/or competitive improvement to flying a remotely-controlled helicopter. The design of the RCVSS 10 can incorporate many functional capabilities and is intended to allow a user to build his/her preferred configuration. The capabilities described herein are only meant to disclose the basic potential of the RCVSS 10. Additional functionality, such as the inclusion of double rings, rings with fire, or smoke that emanates from the RCVSS to create an obstruction are also examples of the functionality that can included in the RCBVSS 10.

It should be noted that while the RCVSS 10 is primarily designed to be used with a remote controlled helicopter, the inventive concept of providing a skill structure is also applicable to other remote controlled vehicles such as cars, trucks, airplanes or even underwater vehicles such as a submarine. When used underwater the RCVSS 10 would require means for maintaining the structure at a desired location and orientation while submerged. A user would then direct a remotely-controlled submarine around or through the structure. If desired, a submerged RCVSS could be used for a remote controlled submarine that has a camera attached. A display on the remote control would show the visual image from the camera, thereby allowing a person to navigate through the water and the RCVSS, while also providing a user with a view that is comparable to what a person who is in a full-size underwater vehicle would see. Additionally, the concept of using the helicopter RCVSS 10 with a camera mounted on a helicopter that is navigating the RCVSS 10 is also envisaged.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims. 

1. A remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that functions in combination with a remotely-controlled vehicle, wherein said structure is comprised of at least one platform from where extends upward a vertical support, wherein attached to said vertical support is a skill element which the remotely-controlled vehicle interfaces with by contacting, landing on or passing or flying through.
 2. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein the remotely-controlled vehicle is comprised of a helicopter.
 3. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal or wood.
 4. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said vertical support is removably attached to said platform.
 5. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said skill element is removably attached to said vertical support.
 6. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said platform is geometric shaped.
 7. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein the geometric shape is square.
 8. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein skill element is selected from the group consisting of a landing pad, a ring, a semi-ring, or a geometric opening.
 9. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure comprises at least one light.
 10. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 9 wherein the at least one light is comprised of at least one LED.
 11. A remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure that functions in combination with at least one remotely-controlled vehicle, wherein said structure is comprised of: a) at least one platform having an upper surface, a lower surface, a right edge, a left edge, a rear edge and a front edge, wherein said platform is placed on a substantially flat surface, b) a vertical support having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface, wherein said vertical support is removably attached to, and extends upward from said platform, c) a skill element that is selected from the group consisting of a landing pad, a ring, a semi-ring, or a geometric opening, wherein said skill element is removably attached to said vertical support, wherein the remotely-controlled vehicle interfaces with said skill element by contact, landing on, or passing or flying through, d) a support sleeve that is located where each of the components that comprise said structure interface with and are attached to each together, wherein said support sleeve extends outward from an opening on each said component, into which each component is inserted into and attached to each other, and e) a support connector that facilitates a skill element being attached on said structure, wherein said support connector extends outward from an opening into which a support member interfaces with and is attached to said skill element.
 12. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 wherein the remotely-controlled vehicle is comprised of a helicopter.
 13. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal or wood.
 14. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising at least one horizontal support having a right rend, a left end and an outer surface, wherein said at least one horizontal support is removably attached to, and extends outward from said platform, said vertical support or said skill element.
 15. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 wherein said structure is modular and allows a person to selectively attach or remove multiple platforms, vertical supports, skill elements or horizontal supports.
 16. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising a skill element in the form of an enclosure with openings that facilitate a remotely-controlled vehicle passing or flying through the enclosure.
 17. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising at least one light, wherein said light is comprised of at least one LED, wherein said at least one light can add an aesthetic, visual appearance or said at least one light can improve visibility of said structure in dark or low-light environments.
 18. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising a loudspeaker from which audible sounds, spoken words or an alarm can emanate.
 19. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising an electronic control circuit (ECC) that is connected to a microcontroller which is enabled by firmware/software wherein said microcontroller functions to control the operation of a visual display circuit and the loudspeaker which are each connected to a respective set of sensors that are connected to and processed by a sensor processing circuit prior to being applied to said microprocessor, wherein said ECC is powered by a power source consisting of a battery or by a utility power applied by means of a power cable connected to a utility power source.
 20. The remotely-controlled vehicle skill structure as specified in claim 11 further comprising indicia that is located on the components that comprise said structure. 